A biotech business which assists pharmaceutical companies with their drug discovery programmes has secured a fresh investment boost.

Imagen Biotech, based at Manchester Science Parks, has attracted £200,000 through the private investor network Envestors.

Earlier this year, the firm received £200,000 from another group of private backers.

Imagen will use the funds to buy equipment enabling it to serve larger pharmaceutical firms and to recruit a senior scientist and business development manager.

It is a preferred supplier to AstraZeneca and works with several other big drugs companies.

It achieved sales of £232,000 in 2010 and aims to double revenues by 2013. Imagen tests new drugs by analysing images by computer.

Tom Wilkins, managing director of Envestors North West, said: “Imagen has an enviable client base and holds a unique position in the market with its data-handling technology and cell-screening techniques. This deal is a great example of how pivotal angel investment can be in unlocking growth potential of a fledgling company.”

Established in 2008, Imagen is led by chief executive Rod Benson.

He said the investments would be key to helping the business become one of the UK's leading providers of outsourced research and development services to the pharmaceutical industry.